Sewing can get really fun especially if you start looking at the clothes currently hanging in your closet as a jumping off point.  Why go out and buy patterns when you can make copies of garments that already fit you well and are beloved?  In our tutorial "How to Make Patterns From Existing Clothing - Simple Tops" we showed you how to get started with very simple constructed tops.  (If you haven't watched it, we recommend starting with that tutorial first as it offers a good foundation that is not covered again in this tutorial.)  With this tutorial, we continue looking at tops but we go over more complex elements.  We demonstrate how to work with tops that have zipper or button closures and how to recreate a yoke, dart, and tuck.

Also, don't forget that it's always a good idea to make a muslin to test the patterns and to make sure you're using the same type of fabric as the original.  When looking at the original garment, pay attention to details and jot down notes to yourself so you won't forget anything.  We hope this will help you as you try to recreate some of your favorite garments.